What device is used for recording heartbeats over a period of 24 hours or more?

The Holter monitor is specifically designed to continuously record the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period, typically 24 hours or more. This device is worn by a patient and captures data that helps in diagnosing irregular heart rhythms or other cardiac conditions that might not be evident during a standard electrocardiogram (ECG), which usually only provides a snapshot of heart activity over a short period of time.

The continuous monitoring feature of the Holter monitor allows for a comprehensive analysis of the heart's function throughout daily activities, making it particularly useful for detecting events related to lifestyle or symptomatic triggers. As a result, it plays a crucial role in providing clinicians with a detailed view of the heart's performance over time, especially in patients who experience intermittent symptoms.